The Conversation

Monday's medical myth: You need eight hours of continuous sleep each night

We're often told by the popular press and well-meaning family and friends that, for good health, we should fall asleep quickly and sleep solidly for about eight hours—otherwise we're at risk of physical ...

Health created Aug 28, 2012 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (7) | comments 0

Assessing the effects of cell phone radiation on brain tissue

Researchers have found a novel, non-invasive technique for measuring brain hot spots caused by electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones, according to a study published today.

Medical research created Dec 17, 2012 | popularity 3.3 / 5 (10) | comments 9 | with audio podcast

Pain really is in the mind, but not in the way you think

Everybody hurts, but not everybody keeps hurting. The unlucky few who do end up on a downward spiral of economic, social and physical disadvantage.

Medical research created Aug 10, 2012 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (6) | comments 0

The myth of natural talent

Once again, the myth of natural talent rears its ugly head. This pernicious myth suggests that Black athletes are better at sport that White athletes, and also that White athletes have to be cleverer and ...

Other created Aug 15, 2012 | popularity 2.7 / 5 (10) | comments 8

Too much of a good thing? How drinking too much water can kill

Drinking enough water is very important during long periods of physical activity or recreational pursuits. But there are rare instances when too much fluid intake can be harmful, and even lead to death.

Health created Sep 28, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 1

Medical myth: Reading from a screen harms your eyes

The time most of us spend looking at a screen has rapidly increased over the past decade. If we're not at work on the computer, we're likely to stay tuned into the online sphere via a smart phone or tablet. ...

Health created Oct 19, 2012 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (4) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

Does aluminium cause Alzheimer's and breast cancer?

Silvery, ductile, malleable and so very, very useful, aluminium is the most common metal in the Earth's crust. But despite its importance (or perhaps because of it), there are fears that this metal causes ...

Health created Apr 01, 2013 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (4) | comments 0

Not dead yet: Junk DNA is back

A controversy at last: most of our DNA is junk, no it isn't, yes it is. Actually, I think it is – up to 90% really is junk.

Genetics created Mar 15, 2013 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (4) | comments 1

Medical myth: Cutting carbs is the best way to lose weight

There seems to be an endless number of fad diets and "golden rules" for weight loss. One of the most popular of these rules is that cutting carbohydrates (carbs) is the best way to lose weight.

Health created Aug 27, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1

What is deja vu and why does it happen?

Have you ever experienced a sudden feeling of familiarity while in a completely new place? Or the feeling you've had the exact same conversation with someone before?

Psychology & Psychiatry created Jan 11, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Explainer: What is depression?

Many people know what it's like to feel sad or down from time to time. We can experience negative emotions due to many things – a bad day at work, a relationship break-up, a sad film, or just getting out ...

Psychology & Psychiatry created Mar 11, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1

Soy versus dairy: Which milk is better for you?

There are good reasons why people may want to swap soy with dairy milk. The carbon, water and phosphate footprint of soy milk is a fraction of the latter. But the main reason for the increasing popularity ...

Health created Mar 19, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Want to boost your memory and mood? Take a nap, but keep it short

We're told to have power naps to keep us safe on the road and improve our alertness if we've had insufficient sleep. They even help our surgeons stay awake during long shifts. But siestas and nana naps can ...

Sleep apnea created May 17, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1

Study shows compulsive hoarders struggle to categorise

Compulsive hoarders are more likely to suffer from executive dysfunction, a cognitive deficit that inhibits flexible thinking and categorisation skills, a study has found.

Psychology & Psychiatry created Mar 15, 2013 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Explainer: What is cancer?

Few things strike fear into people more than the word cancer, and with good reason. While improvements in cancer therapy and advances in palliative care mean that the illness does not always lead to inevitable ...

Cancer created Mar 15, 2013 | popularity 3.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0